ASTM E3009-15e1

Standard Test Method for Sensory Analysis—Tetrad Test

SIGNIFICANCE AND USE
5.1 The test method is effective for the following test objectives:  
5.1.1 To determine whether a perceptible difference results or a perceptible difference does not result, for example, when a change is made in ingredients, processing, packaging, handling, or storage; or  
5.1.2 To select, train, and monitor assessors.  
5.2 The test method itself does not change whether the purpose of the test is to determine that two products are perceptibly different versus that the products are not perceptibly different. Only the selected values of δ, α, and β change. If the objective of the test is to determine if the two products are sufficiently similar to be used interchangeably, then the value selected for β is typically smaller than the value selected for α and the value of δ is selected to define “sufficiently similar.”
SCOPE
1.1 This test method covers a procedure for determining whether a perceptible sensory difference exists between samples of two products or to estimate the magnitude of the perceptible difference.  
1.2 This test method applies whether a difference may exist in a single sensory attribute or in several.  
1.3 This test method is applicable when the nature of the difference between the samples is unknown. The attribute(s) responsible for the difference are not identified.  
1.4 The tetrad test is more efficient statistically than the triangle test (Test Method E1885) or the duo-trio test (Test Method E2610).  
1.5 The tetrad method involves the evaluation of four samples. When the products being tested cause excessive sensory fatigue, carryover, or adaptation, methods that involve the evaluation of fewer samples (same-different, triangle test, etc.) may be preferred.  
1.6 This standard does not purport to address all of the safety concerns, if any, associated with its use. It is the responsibility of the user of this standard to establish appropriate safety and health practices and determine the applicability of regulatory limitations prior to use.

General Information

• Status: Historical
• Publication Date: 30-Apr-2015
• ICS: 67.240 - Sensory analysis
• Technical Committee: E18 - Sensory Evaluation
• Drafting Committee: E18.04 - Test Methods

Standards Content (Sample)

NOTICE: This standard has either been superseded and replaced by a new version or withdrawn.
Contact ASTM International (www.astm.org) for the latest information
´1
Designation: E3009 − 15
Standard Test Method for
1
Sensory Analysis—Tetrad Test
This standard is issued under the fixed designation E3009; the number immediately following the designation indicates the year of
original adoption or, in the case of revision, the year of last revision. A number in parentheses indicates the year of last reapproval. A
superscript epsilon (´) indicates an editorial change since the last revision or reapproval.
1
ε NOTE—Editorially corrected Table A1.1 in May 2016.
1. Scope E1885 Test Method for Sensory Analysis—Triangle Test
E2262 Practice for Estimating Thurstonian Discriminal Dis-
1.1 This test method covers a procedure for determining
tances
whether a perceptible sensory difference exists between
E2610 Test Method for Sensory Analysis—Duo-Trio Test
samples of two products or to estimate the magnitude of the
3
2.2 ISO Standards:
perceptible difference.
ISO 4120 Sensory Analysis – Methodology – Triangle Test
1.2 This test method applies whether a difference may exist
ISO 10399 Sensory Analysis – Methodology – Duo-Trio
in a single sensory attribute or in several.
Test
1.3 This test method is applicable when the nature of the
3. Terminology
difference between the samples is unknown. The attribute(s)
responsible for the difference are not identified.
3.1 Definitions—For definition of terms relating to sensory
analysis, see Terminology E253, and for terms relating to
1.4 The tetrad test is more efficient statistically than the
statistics, see Terminology E456.
triangle test (Test Method E1885) or the duo-trio test (Test
Method E2610).
3.2 Definitions of Terms Specific to This Standard:
3.2.1 α (alpha) risk—probability of concluding that a per-
1.5 The tetrad method involves the evaluation of four
ceptible difference exists when, in reality, one does not.
samples. When the products being tested cause excessive
3.2.1.1 Discussion—Also known as Type I Error or signifi-
sensory fatigue, carryover, or adaptation, methods that involve
cance level.
the evaluation of fewer samples (same-different, triangle test,
etc.) may be preferred. 3.2.2 β (beta) risk—probability of concluding that no per-
ceptible difference exists when, in reality, one does.
1.6 This standard does not purport to address all of the
3.2.2.1 Discussion—Also known as Type II Error.
safety concerns, if any, associated with its use. It is the
responsibility of the user of this standard to establish appro- 3.2.3 δ—Thurstonian measure of sensory difference (effect
priate safety and health practices and determine the applica-
size) relative to perceptual noise (standard deviation) (see
bility of regulatory limitations prior to use. Practice E2262).
3.2.4 product—material to be evaluated.
2. Referenced Documents
3.2.5 sample—unit of product prepared, presented, and
2
2.1 ASTM Standards:
evaluated in the test.
E253 Terminology Relating to Sensory Evaluation of Mate-
3.2.6 sensitivity—general term used to summarize the per-
rials and Products
formance characteristics of the test; the sensitivity of the test is
E456 Terminology Relating to Quality and Statistics
rigorously defined, in statistical terms, by the values selected
E1871 Guide for Serving Protocol for Sensory Evaluation of
for α, β, and δ.
Foods and Beverages
4. Summary of Test Method
4.1 Clearly define the test objective in writing.
1
This test method is under the jurisdiction of ASTM Committee E18 on Sensory
Evaluation and is the direct responsibility of Subcommittee E18.04 on Fundamen-
4.2 Choose the number of assessors based on the level of
tals of Sensory.
sensitivity desired for the test. The sensitivity of the test is, in
Current edition approved May 1, 2015. Published June 2015. DOI: 10.1520/
part, a function of two competing risks: the risk of declaring
E3009-15E01.
2
For referenced ASTM standards, visit the ASTM website, www.astm.org, or
contact ASTM Customer Service at [e-mail]. For Annual Book of ASTM
3
Standards volume information, refer to the standard’s Document Summary page on Available from International Organization for Standardization (ISO), 1, ch. de
the ASTM website. la Voie-Creuse, CP 56, CH-1211 Geneva 20, Switzerland, http://www.iso.org.
Copyright © ASTM International, 100 Barr Harbor Drive, PO Box C700, West Conshohocken, PA 19428-2959. United States
1

---------------------- Page: 1 ----------------------
´1
E3009 − 15
the samples different when they are not (that is, α-risk) and the concerned. If the test concerns the detection of a particular
risk of not declaring the samples different when they are (that taint, consider the inclusion of samples during training that
is, β-risk). Acceptable values of α and β vary depending on the demonstrate its presence and absence. Such demonstration will
test objective and should be determined before the test (see for increase the pa
...

This document is not an ASTM standard and is intended only to provide the user of an ASTM standard an indication of what changes have been made to the previous version. Because
it may not be technically possible to adequately depict all changes accurately, ASTM recommends that users consult prior editions as appropriate. In all cases only the current version
of the standard as published by ASTM is to be considered the official document.
´1
Designation: E3009 − 15 E3009 − 15
Standard Test Method for
1
Sensory Analysis—Tetrad Test
This standard is issued under the fixed designation E3009; the number immediately following the designation indicates the year of
original adoption or, in the case of revision, the year of last revision. A number in parentheses indicates the year of last reapproval. A
superscript epsilon (´) indicates an editorial change since the last revision or reapproval.
1
ε NOTE—Editorially corrected Table A1.1 in May 2016.
1. Scope
1.1 This test method covers a procedure for determining whether a perceptible sensory difference exists between samples of two
products or to estimate the magnitude of the perceptible difference.
1.2 This test method applies whether a difference may exist in a single sensory attribute or in several.
1.3 This test method is applicable when the nature of the difference between the samples is unknown. The attribute(s)
responsible for the difference are not identified.
1.4 The tetrad test is more efficient statistically than the triangle test (Test Method E1885) or the duo-trio test (Test Method
E2610).
1.5 The tetrad method involves the evaluation of four samples. When the products being tested cause excessive sensory fatigue,
carryover, or adaptation, methods that involve the evaluation of fewer samples (same-different, triangle test, etc.) may be preferred.
1.6 This standard does not purport to address all of the safety concerns, if any, associated with its use. It is the responsibility
of the user of this standard to establish appropriate safety and health practices and determine the applicability of regulatory
limitations prior to use.
2. Referenced Documents
2
2.1 ASTM Standards:
E253 Terminology Relating to Sensory Evaluation of Materials and Products
E456 Terminology Relating to Quality and Statistics
E1871 Guide for Serving Protocol for Sensory Evaluation of Foods and Beverages
E1885 Test Method for Sensory Analysis—Triangle Test
E2262 Practice for Estimating Thurstonian Discriminal Distances
E2610 Test Method for Sensory Analysis—Duo-Trio Test
3
2.2 ISO Standards:
ISO 4120 Sensory Analysis – Methodology – Triangle Test
ISO 10399 Sensory Analysis – Methodology – Duo-Trio Test
3. Terminology
3.1 Definitions—For definition of terms relating to sensory analysis, see Terminology E253, and for terms relating to statistics,
see Terminology E456.
3.2 Definitions of Terms Specific to This Standard:
3.2.1 α (alpha) risk—probability of concluding that a perceptible difference exists when, in reality, one does not.
1
This test method is under the jurisdiction of ASTM Committee E18 on Sensory Evaluation and is the direct responsibility of Subcommittee E18.04 on Fundamentals
of Sensory.
Current edition approved May 1, 2015. Published June 2015. DOI: 10.1520/E3009-15.10.1520/E3009-15E01.
2
For referenced ASTM standards, visit the ASTM website, www.astm.org, or contact ASTM Customer Service at [e-mail]. For Annual Book of ASTM Standards
volume information, refer to the standard’s Document Summary page on the ASTM website.
3
Available from International Organization for Standardization (ISO), 1, ch. de la Voie-Creuse, CP 56, CH-1211 Geneva 20, Switzerland, http://www.iso.org.
3.2.1.1 Discussion—
Copyright © ASTM International, 100 Barr Harbor Drive, PO Box C700, West Conshohocken, PA 19428-2959. United States
1

---------------------- Page: 1 ----------------------
´1
E3009 − 15
Also known as Type I Error or significance level.
3.2.2 β (beta) risk—probability of concluding that no perceptible difference exists when, in reality, one does.
3.2.2.1 Discussion—
Also known as Type II Error.
3.2.3 δ—Thurstonian measure of sensory difference (effect size) relative to perceptual noise (standard deviation) (see Practice
E2262).
3.2.4 product—material to be evaluated.
3.2.5 sample—unit of product prepared, presented, and evaluated in the test.
3.2.6 sensitivity—general term used to summarize the performance characteristics of the test; the sensitivity of the test is
rigorously defined, in statistical terms, by the values selected for α, β, and δ.
4. Summary of Test Method
4.1 Clearly define the test objective in writing.
4.2 Choose the number of assessors based on the level of sensitivity desired for the test. The sensitivity of the test is, in part,
a function of two competing risks: the risk of declaring the samples different when they are not (that is, α-risk) and the risk of not
declaring the samples different when they are (that is, β-risk). Acceptable values of α and β vary de
...